Melissa L Exline

Bio

Melissa L. Exline has been practicing law since 2002. Melissa graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, earning a dual bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and political science and was a member of the Golden Key Honor Society. In law school, Melissa was a member of the mock trial competition team, earned her litigation certificate and wrote for/edited the law review. She earned a CALI in ERISA and COBRA law, an award granted to the top student in the class.

Melissa’s legal focus is on family law and estate planning. On family law matters, the goal is to walk with the client in a difficult situation with grace and dignity, while also fighting hard to protect a client’s assets. In custody cases, which can be highly emotional, Melissa’s focus is to help clients understand the legal dynamics so they can make good child focused decisions. While settlement is always the goal, Melissa has litigated multiple cases in a contested trial or hearing.

When Melissa helps people with their estate plans, she tries to create a situation to make life easier for the family. Having properly crafted documents can save a family from stress and needless time in probate court. Working with people in family law and estate planning means Melissa has an opportunity to truly help people. The issues are not “just business” or a simple dispute about money. It is about people’s lives and meeting their needs – and the clients she works with know her work matters.

Melissa has taught many classes on family law at the annual Family Law Conference and as a speaker for the Administrative Office of the Courts. She is a member of the Family Law Executive Counsel (2025-2026 Chair) and VP of Nevada Collaborative Divorce Professionals. Melissa is married to Nathan Exline, a longtime educator with the Washoe County School District. They share three children.